Puppies have a reputation for being full of energy. Just like little kids, they love to run around outside and play games. Even though puppies also take frequent naps, when they’re not recharging, they’re draining their battery.
However, not all puppies are alike. If you just got a new Mastiff puppy, you may have noticed they might seem a little lazy. You’re probably wondering if this behavior is normal, and the answer is: yes. Keep reading to learn more…
Why Are Mastiffs So Lazy?
The fact that your mastiff puppy is lazy is nothing to be concerned about. Laziness is one of the defining characteristics of the Mastiff breed. You can think of Mastiffs as the Brontosaurus of the dog world, in that they are big, slow, and lumbering.
Even though Mastiffs are often used as guard dogs, they hate to run. It’s their large size, protective nature, and fierceness that makes them a great intruder deterrent, not their athleticism. That’s why you don’t see police using them to chase down fleeing suspects, despite what you might have seen in the movie, Turner and Hooch.
Gentle, affectionate, family dogs, Mastiffs are true couch potatoes that just want to chill out and relax. Even as young pups, they display their laid back nature. Don’t be surprised if your Mastiff puppy has little interest in playing fetch or tug of war like other puppies; they would probably prefer a quick lap around the yard followed by a long nap.
The same way some dog breeds are prone to being hyper, Mastiffs are just prone to lethargy. Some might be lazier than others, but none are what you would call “high energy,” because it’s just not in their DNA. Even the most rambunctious Mastiff has nothing on a Foxhound or other similar hunting and sporting breeds. That being said, if your Mastiff is too lazy, it can become a serious problem…
What to Do When Your Mastiff Is Too Lazy
Some Mastiffs are so lazy, obesity can become a serious issue for them. If you notice your puppy getting chubby, it’s up to you to make sure they get enough exercise.
As a puppy, your Mastiff will run around a little bit; but as they age, you’ll see a sharp decline in their eagerness to accelerate. Adult Mastiffs are exclusively walkers, and should not be forced to run for exercise. They overheat easily, and running does a lot of damage to their joints.
Similarly, you should not try to force your Mastiff puppy to exercise with vigor and intensity, as they only require light to moderate exercise – 20 to 30 minutes of playtime per day is adequate.
Best Activities for Mastiff Puppies
Playing with Others
Mastiffs love to play with children and other dogs. If you have kids or other dogs, that should be enough to keep your puppy active and entertained for awhile.
Walking
Another great activity for Mastiffs is just a plain old walk around the block. They really enjoy a good walk as long as they’re not being pushed too hard.
Digging
Mastiffs are natural diggers. It comes from when they were primarily used as working farm dogs. You might want to designate a place in your yard for your puppy to dig, or make them a sandbox. They won’t get it at first, but you can coax them along by burying a treat, then showing them how to dig it up.
Training
Mastiffs are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. Teaching your puppy some new tricks is another great activity you can do with them to get them off the couch.
References:
Dogtime. Mastiff. Retrieved from https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/mastiff
Wag! Activities for Mastiffs. Retrieved from https://wagwalking.com/activity/activities-for-mastiffs
Mastiff Savvy. All About Mastiffs. Retrieved from https://mastiffsavvy.com/mastiffs/
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